19th century – 19th century
Obok, Afar coast
The French acquisition of Obok began with a purchase made in 1856 by M. Lambert, the French consul in Aden, and was formalized by a treaty in 1862. Four Afar chiefs ceded the territory to France for 10,000 Maria Theresa dollars and undertook to reject agreements lacking French imperial approval. The arrangement remained contested locally, and effective French occupation did not immediately follow.
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The Story
French interest in Obok grew during the second half of the nineteenth century. In 1856 M. Lambert, French consul in Aden, purchased the port. The purchase did not produce effective occupation, leaving the practical status of the site uncertain and open to local resistance.
A new treaty was concluded in 1862. Four Afar chiefs ceded the territory to France in exchange for 10,000 Maria Theresa dollars and agreed, jointly and separately, to reject overtures that lacked the assent of the French emperor’s government. The wording asserted a broad French authority over future dealings at the site.
The agreement was poorly regarded locally. Consul Walker reported that the principal chief disappeared after receiving the money and that his successor did not recognize the French claim. The few huts erected by the French after their departure were reportedly thrown into the sea, illustrating the gap between a diplomatic transaction and effective control on the ground.
19th century – 19th century
Obok, Afar coast
The French acquisition of Obok began with a purchase made in 1856 by M. Lambert, the French consul in Aden, and was formalized by a treaty in 1862. Four Afar chiefs ceded the territory to France for 10,000 Maria Theresa dollars and undertook to reject agreements lacking French imperial approval. The arrangement remained contested locally, and effective French occupation did not immediately follow.
Continue exploring
The Story
French interest in Obok grew during the second half of the nineteenth century. In 1856 M. Lambert, French consul in Aden, purchased the port. The purchase did not produce effective occupation, leaving the practical status of the site uncertain and open to local resistance.
A new treaty was concluded in 1862. Four Afar chiefs ceded the territory to France in exchange for 10,000 Maria Theresa dollars and agreed, jointly and separately, to reject overtures that lacked the assent of the French emperor’s government. The wording asserted a broad French authority over future dealings at the site.
The agreement was poorly regarded locally. Consul Walker reported that the principal chief disappeared after receiving the money and that his successor did not recognize the French claim. The few huts erected by the French after their departure were reportedly thrown into the sea, illustrating the gap between a diplomatic transaction and effective control on the ground.